Best Bird Watching in Imperial Beach

Home to 370 species of birds

Imperial Beach is described as the one of the best places to watch birds in coastal Southern California.

During spring and fall migration, Imperial Beach plays host to thousands of shorebirds, waterfowl and neotropical birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway stopping to forage on the beach and in protected wetlands.

Among the best bird watching areas along coastal Southern California, Imperial Beach is home to 370 species of birds.

In addition to spring and fall migrations, summer brings a rare combination of colonial nesting seabirds, like Black Skimmers and Gull-billed Terns, to the South Bay, while migratory songbirds nest within the adjacent river valleys. Even the winter months provide opportunities for observing wintering waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Resident species such as the endangered Light-footed Clapper Rail, and a number of shorebirds, wading birds and songbirds can be observed throughout the year.

Coastal vegetation is best viewed in the winter and spring when indigenous plants such as beach evening primrose and red sand verbena cover the dune habitat with color and deerweed, sage, lemonadeberry and sumac fill native plant gardens and the natural upland habitats with the scents of spring. If you are really lucky, you may come across a stand of rare salt marsh bird’s beak.

Find a place to stay

Related Articles and Features

A Walk Through Coronado’s History

Beginning in 1886

The modern history of Coronado began in 1886 with the formation of the Coronado Beach Company, which for many years was the driving force behind the development of the peninsula as a town and resort destination; before that, the land had been uninhabited for more than 10,000 years.

Discover

Wineries

Wine Tasting in San Diego

16 Great Tasting Rooms to Try

With a mild Mediterranean climate, rich fertile soil and more unique growing regions than any other county in America, it’s no surprise that wine grapes thrive here and that San Diego has become a top wine destination.

Discover

Tours & Sightseeing

San Diego's 59-Mile Scenic Drive

A truly beautiful way to spend a day

Encompassing a good portion of the city's most outstanding attractions, taking San Diego's 59-mile scenic drive is a beautiful way to spend a day.

Discover

Tours & Sightseeing

Fun Filled 1-Day Itineraries

Spend one day enjoying some popular sites

Find popular sites and attractions including museums, historic sites, shopping centers and hip urban neighborhoods all located within a two-mile radius of Downtown, the airport and the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal.

Events to check out

The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay...

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...

Stay in touch

Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.